Cheesy Baked Cauliflower

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious, comforting side dish that combines the mild flavor of cauliflower with a rich, melty cheese sauce, then baked to perfection for a crispy, golden topping. It’s a great alternative to mac and cheese or mashed potatoes, offering a lower-carb option that’s still indulgent and satisfying.

Here’s a simple recipe for Cheesy Baked Cauliflower:

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6-8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Roast the Cauliflower:

• Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
• Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it starts to become tender and slightly golden on the edges. Stir the cauliflower halfway through to ensure even cooking.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• While the cauliflower is roasting, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux (a thick paste).
• Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and Parmesan cheese (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Bake:

• Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat.
• If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top of the cheesy cauliflower.
• Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

5. Serve:

• Remove the cheesy baked cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Cauliflower:

• Roasting the Cauliflower: Roasting the cauliflower before baking it in the cheese sauce helps bring out its natural sweetness and gives it a nice texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip the roasting step and add the cauliflower directly to the baking dish with the cheese sauce, but it won’t have that same roasted flavor.
• Cheese Variations: For a more complex cheese flavor, try mixing cheddar with Gruyère or Fontina. You can also use cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness in the cheese sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time! Simply roast the cauliflower, make the cheese sauce, and assemble everything in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
• Adding Protein: To turn this dish into a more filling meal, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken or bacon bits into the cheese sauce before pouring it over the cauliflower.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this Cheesy Baked Cauliflower as a side dish with roast chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops.
• It’s also a great addition to a Thanksgiving or holiday meal, where it can replace mashed potatoes or other starchy sides.
• For a low-carb meal, serve this cheesy cauliflower alongside a fresh green salad or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a holiday gathering. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs wonderfully with the nutty, slightly sweet cauliflower, making it a dish everyone will love!